Happy Poetry Friday!
It took some pondering this year to come upon my one little word… last year’s #olw was pondering, and our journey together rewarding. Here’s a small list of words I considered:
changes
perseverance
action
metaphor
humanity
reflect
Humanity and changes were coming to the top, but I wasn’t satisfied yet. And then a few more joined the list:
inner strength
fortitude
compassion
With compassion I new I was getting a little closer
As more poets from the Poetry Friday community were adding (and some not adding) their olw’s into their posts, I began reading carefully why this word is chosen. I wanted this word to fit like an umbrella, with a little bit of wiggle room, over my life taking in all aspects of me, where I may venture over the next year, and where the year may also take us all. And then came…
Breathe–
she’s a verb, strong at the start, softer as she ends, encouraging–I could breathe just a little bit better knowing we would share the year together… And when I visited my good friend Merriam Webster she agreed with me, pointing out,
BREATHE…
Intransitively,
You’ll feel “free of restraint”
You’ll “pause and rest before continuing”
You’ll “be expressed”
And transitively,
You’ll “rest,”
And “spend a great deal of time, thought,” and “effort
On all your pursuits this year as you
Breathe…
© 2020 Michelle Kogan
A surprise came this week in my email… Via Margaret Simon, with the subject line reading: Poetry Experiment–as busy as I am presently I decided to take the plunge and participate. I sent a quote on to Margaret from a wonderful performer I heard over the summer at our Chicago Blues Festival, and in the midsts of the chaos of our world I thought I’d share some of her soul soothing music here, enjoy–and Thanks Margaret!
And another Winter poetry postcard appeared:
Thanks Robert Ertman for the luscious winterberries and Lunar New Year Greeting!
(Hope you are okay with my sharing your card…)
Kat Apel at her blog Kathryn Apel Children’s Author & Poet is hosting this weeks Poetry Friday Roundup, thanks Kat! Kat’s sharing a wonderful possum poem, and a video from her school visit trip to the states–be sure to stop by her blog.
Visit Renée LaTulippe’s site No Water River to find out more about what Poetry Friday is.
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting, & Writing 
Oh, what a wonderful word! And, your poem is wonderful with all the gifts this word promises to bring you. I look forward to reading and seeing more.
Your artwork is amazing! Love the Earth in your drawing. Thanks for sharing the music. I like the word breathe, it’s a calm word, a fine restful word.
Yes, breathe is a wonderful choice for you olw, and your poem is perfect!
If Webster says that “breathe” encompasses all those results, you will indeed have a special year, Michelle. I enjoyed your poem showing that, a good beginning for the year.
Love your poem, Michelle. Breathe is a wonderful word choice! And you have reminded me about the poetry experiment. I saw that email while we were driving out for a very long/busy day – but then, with other emails landing on top, I forgot about it!
Breathe is a lovely word, feels so good in the mouth and in the ear. We have been doing some mindful breathing…for healthy benefits. Nice choice for your OLW… thanks for sharing!
Breathe is a wonderful word to carry with you through the year, and your poem is beautiful. Like Kat, I’m glad you reminding me of the poetry experiment. I need to remember to act on it!
Michelle, I have been thinking a great deal about climate change and the need to save the earth lately so your illustration this week was right on point. Your word breathe is one that is filled with so many possibilities. My best wishes for a year of joy coming back to you (love that song you shared). I also got a postcard from Robert. How lovely. You reminded me to send out a response for the Poetry Experiment.
Lovely, Michelle, and a great choice for your olw. When life gets to be too much, I always just remind myself to breathe. Poetry is a great way of taking a deep breath, too!
Breathe is great olw. I really like how you considered the sounds of the word–“strong at the start, softer as she ends,” and what a clever idea to work phrases from the definition into your poem! Wishing you a wonderful shared year with Breathe.
Cool art and great OLW for 2020. Enjoyed your poem, musing on the different aspects of the word. And thanks for sharing the Ruthie Foster video (she’s new to me). 🙂
Excellent choice for your OLW, and a lovely post…Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Breathing with you, baby–and let’s all stay ready for joy!
Michelle, your opening lines and drawing made me think of our poor beagle, who is having so much trouble with his eyes right now. I hope he’ll be like the new year soon — eyes wide open and happy.
Sending some healing thoughts out to your sweet beagle for healing to take place Laura, xo.
Perfect, Michelle! I loved reading about the thought processes that led to your OLW choice. It also sounds like you and I are on similar wavelengths as far as that goes. May you find all the comfort, rest, and wiggle room you’re looking for.